Move the table

Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, moves the playing surface.

This means that if you cause the table tennis table to move whilst the ball is still in play, you lose the point.

This usually happens when you rush forward to play a shot. After you've played your shot, your forward momentum can cause you to move the table.

However, if the ball wasn't in play when you moved the table tennis table, there's no penalty. For example, once the ball has bounced a second time (either on the table, floor, surroundings, or hits your opponent), the ball's no longer in play.

For more information about the rules of table tennis, take a look at my other articles which explain the Official
Laws of Table Tennis and the additional Regulations (for higher level play) in more detail...

The Laws of Table Tennis

The basic rules of table tennis
If you're just starting to play and you need to know the basic rules of table tennis,
you'll find them here...

The official rules of table tennis
The official rules of table tennis are known as
The Laws of Table Tennis ...
so if you need to check the official wording, you can read them here...

What do the rules say about playing doubles?
Whether you're playing singles or doubles, the rules of table tennis are essentially the same.
However, for doubles play
there are a few subtle variations. Read them here...

What do the rules say about volleying the ball?
Do the table tennis rules allow you to volley the ball?
Yes and No... Let me explain